Just about everyone is struggling to handle feelings of isolation as we adhere to stay-at-home orders. And although we know there is an end in sight, no one is super clear on when that end will arrive.
In the meantime, we have to find a new normal. Even if that new normal is temporary, we have to get through these times — and we still have to get things done.
So, if you’re currently struggling with procrastination, know that you’re in good company. Virtually everyone is in the same boat. But that doesn’t mean you should give up the fight.
Here are five reasons to motivate you to change your schedule to handle home confinement.
1. The day starts with or without you
When you’re in home confinement, it’s easy to lose track of what day it is. But just because you’ve stopped counting doesn’t mean the clock has stopped ticking. You still have the same amount of time ahead of you each day, and you can seize it or let it roll over you.
The sunrise occurs around 6:30 a.m. each morning, whether you’re awake or not. So, if you continue hitting the snooze button, you’re actually losing hours. You’re likely to ask yourself where the day went when it’s dinnertime and you’re still lounging in your pajamas.
Think about what it would feel like if you were able to list a few accomplishments before lunch. Now, think about how that would feel after claiming each day for a month. The time is there for you. It’s up to you whether you’ll take it.
2. Gain time for new skills
Now that you’re spending more time at home, there’s a lot you can do. Even if you still have to telecommute, losing your actual commute time can free up your schedule enough to tackle something you’ve always wanted to do. And, as a bonus, it’s almost as if the stars are aligned for you to make it happen.
There are many online courses that are currently being offered for free during the current pandemic. A growing list of educators are offering access to their learning programs for free during the COVID pandemic. If you can get a handle on your schedule, you may free up some time to learn a skill you’ve always wanted to learn.
3. Crush your goals
We all have that one goal (or maybe three) that we put on the backburner for way too long. It’s never really the right time to make it happen. Well, guess what? Now is the time. Whether you want to gain muscle or clear out the garage, you can make it happen right now.
No matter what you have your sights on, you can make some serious headway towards those goals while in quarantine.
4. Surprise everyone
While everyone is binging on all the snacks they’ve hoarded, you can spend this time focused on fitness — if you can only get a hold of your schedule. Just imagine how surprised your friends and family will be when you show up two sizes smaller or much more toned than before.
Unless you’re an essential worker, you must admit blaming lack of time right now would be a fib. Again, we all have the same time in a day, and it’s up to each and every one of us to make the most of it. If you have physical or health-related goals, you can add head-turning to your list of motivations.
5. Tackle addiction
You’re undoubtedly seeing all the posts about day drinking during the quarantine, and with so much isolation, the concept may start to seem appealing. But what if you took the opposite approach? What if you took a break from drinking and had a no-alcohol quarantine?
Depending on your current relationship with alcohol and your goals, it may even just be a temporary change… like a sober October. But if you’re having trouble sticking to your sober quarantine, you may need a little additional help. And this is a good sign that you’re doing this at the right time because, otherwise, the isolation may only worsen an addiction. Look for online addiction treatment services you can access and lean on as you begin your sober journey.
When you’re feeling lonely and slightly depressed, it’s easy to spend your hours binging Netflix instead of taking control over your schedule. But in these times, your change in routine is just begging for a little structure. Without it, this time will waste away and you may not have very much to show for it. On the other hand, you could get fit, learn new skills or even start a side business. Take control over your schedule and it’ll all fall into place.
